Buoyed by a Supreme Court of Canada decision earlier this year in British Columbia, Walpole Island leaders are looking to gain more control over their self-governance.

"There's a reason to be optimistic," said policy analyst James Jenkins about the decision in June granting declaration of aboriginal title to Tsilhqot'in First Nation for land in the B.C. Interior.

Walpole Island, which band officials claim is unceded territory, is seeking its own declaration and has had a title claim in litigation for 14 years.

"We're moving forward on that claim more aggressively now," Jenkins said, though said a decision is likely still years away.

That claim, with other Ontario First Nations, includes territory stretching from Goderich to Port Stanley, he said.

"We were the first First Nation in Canada to kick out the Indian agent in 1965," he said. "But even though we've taken control over our own administration, the Indian agent still walks among us."

By that, he said, he means every decision made is made through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.

The 5,000-member First Nation reserve just west of Wallaceburg is trying to establish more control over its governance by building up infrastructure, like hydro and natural gas, he said, and attracting businesses and industry to the area.

"We're trying to move away from our status as a ward of the government and more into a business-minded sense," Jenkins said.

"The best way to do that is having the tools at our disposal to make those governance decisions to provide those opportunities."

Along with trying to update the election code that binds chief and councillors to two-year terms, Jenkins said he's optimistic a plan to bring natural gas to the island could begin as soon as March.

"There are people working for Union Gas who have been wanting to see Union Gas come here to Walpole Island for almost a decade now," he said, noting there are a number of plans on the table, but it's estimated the First Nation's cost would be under $1 million.

Currently, members use electrical heating, propane or wood stoves.

"I have some high hopes," Jenkins said, noting gaining greater control is a gradual process.

Key though, he said, is engaging membership in decision-making.

The First Nation is also working on an operations plan and has held community engagement sessions, he said.

"Being transparent and accountable," he said. "That's how we bring the community into the process."